Shelly’s latest innovation, the Presence Gen4 sensor, is a game changer for smart home enthusiasts. This $84.99 device uses mmWave radar to detect up to 10 people moving through a room, all without the need for cameras. It’s not just about monitoring; it’s about automating your home efficiently and discreetly.

The sensor’s versatility is evident in its installation options. You can place it on a shelf or mount it on the wall, thanks to its built-in stand. With a 140-degree horizontal field-of-view, it can cover spaces up to 650 square feet, making it ideal for large living areas. Integration with various smart home systems, including Google Home, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings, ensures seamless operation.

Automations like lighting, heating, cooling, and even music can be triggered as individuals enter a space, then turned off when they leave. The sensor’s customizable detection zones add a layer of personalization. For instance, a lamp could be set to turn on only when someone specifically sits at a desk, or a home theater to activate only when someone plops down on the sofa. Pets can be included, or the sensor’s sensitivity can be adjusted to ignore low-lying objects, such as a robovac.

This technology opens up new possibilities for smart home management, but it also raises questions about privacy and the trade-offs we make for convenience. As we integrate more devices into our homes, the line between useful and intrusive becomes blurred.